Cobden Bombers sign Nick and Ben Harding from Simpson

RECRUITING DRIVE: New Cobden coach Levi Dare is excited by what Simpson brothers Nick and Ben Harding will add to the Bombers' forward line.

COBDEN has bolstered its forward stocks with Simpson brothers Nick and Ben Harding signing on for next season.

Nick, 24, was the Colac and District club’s spearhead, kicking 35 goals in an injury-interrupted 2016, following on from returns of 71 and 61 during the Tigers’ premiership years.

Ben, 19, who this year played his first full season of footy since breaking his leg in a speedway mishap two years ago, took out the league reserves goalkicking award, with 69 goals during the home-and-away season.

“I just hope me and my brother can make a good bond (in attack) for the club,” Ben said of the move.

“We played three games together this year in the seniors for Simpson; we bonded really well down in the forward line when we played together.”

Nick, who last played at Cobden at Under 14 level, said he was looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Hampden league.

“I just wanted to play a bit higher footy and see if I can make it,” he said.

“I played junior football there and I’ve always wanted to go back and see if I can playing Hampden league level. I want to try to earn the respect from the other players up there.”

Cobden coach Levi Dare said the Harding brothers would help the Bombers address their goalkicking shortfalls from 2016.

“We’re rapt to have them on board. There’s no limit with what they guys can do. We’re really keen to get them in and get them nice and fit and hopefully they can reach their full potential,” he said.